Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament

Newsletter No. 133

July/August/September 2013

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” (Mt 11:28)

On Corpus Christi Sunday, June 2, 3013, cathedrals and dioceses all over the world joined simultaneously with the Holy Father in Rome forworldwide Eucharistic Adoration. Dioceses across the globe were synchronized with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at 5 p.m. local time, a first in the history of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis prayed: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”

“Encountering Christ, giving ourselves to Christ, proclaiming Christ–these are the pillars of our faith, which are concentrated in the focal point of the Eucharist.” (Pope Francis, May 30, 2013)

“Our work will be effective only if it is rooted in faith, nourished by prayer, especially by the Holy Eucharist, Sacrament of faith and of charity.” (Pope Francis, June 20, 2013)

Pope Francis, Eucharistic Miracle in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The weakening of faith in the real presence of the Risen Christ in the Eucharist is one of the most significant aspects of the current spiritual crisis. Jesus wants to strengthen our faith in His Eucharistic presence. That is why from time to time in the history of the Catholic Church He gives us signs–Eucharistic miracles that clearly underscore the fact that He, the Risen Lord Himself in the mystery of His Divinity and glorified humanity, is truly present in the Eucharist. The most recent Eucharistic miracle recognized by the Church authorities occurred in 1996 in the capital of Argentina–Buenos Aires.

At seven o’clock in the evening on August 18, 1996, Fr. Alejandro Pezet was saying Holy Mass at a Catholic church in the commercial center of Buenos Aires. As he was finishing distributing Holy Communion, a woman came up to tell him that she had found a discarded host on a candleholder at the back of the church. On going to the spot indicated, Fr. Alejandro saw the defiled Host. Since he was unable to consume it, he placed it in a container of water and put it away in the tabernacle of the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

On Monday, August 26, upon opening the tabernacle, he saw to his amazement that the Host had turned into a bloody substance. He informed Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Auxiliary Bishop at that time, now Pope Francis), who gave instructions that the Host be professionally photographed. The photos were taken on September 6. They clearly show that the Host, which had become a fragment of bloodied flesh, had grown significantly in size. For several years the Host remained in the tabernacle, the whole affair being kept a strict secret. Since the Host suffered no visible decomposition, Cardinal Bergoglio decided to have it scientifically analyzed.

On October 5, 1999, in the presence of the Cardinal’s representatives, Dr. Castanon took a sample of the bloody fragment and sent it to New York for analysis. Since he did not wish to prejudice the study, he purposely did not inform the team of scientists of its provenance. One of these scientists was Dr. Frederic Zugiba, the well-known cardiologist and forensic pathologist. He determined that the analyzed substance was real flesh and blood containing human DNA. Zugiba testified that, “the analyzed material is a fragment of the heart muscle found in the wall of the left ventricle close to the valves. This muscle is responsible for the contraction of the heart. It should be borne in mind that the left cardiac ventricle pumps blood to all parts of the body. The heart muscle is in an inflammatory condition and contains a large number of white blood cells. This indicates that the heart was alive at the time the sample was taken. It is my contention that the heart was alive, since white blood cells die outside a living organism. They require a living organism to sustain them. Thus, their presence indicates that the heart was alive when the sample was taken. What is more, these white blood cells had penetrated the tissue, which further indicates that the heart had been under severe stress, as if the owner had been beaten severely about the chest.”

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Patron of World Youth Days, Italy (1901-1925)—Feast, July 4 “He gave his whole self, both in prayer and in action, in service to Christ.” “Sometimes he passed whole nights in Eucharistic adoration.” (Luciana Frassati, Pier Giorgio’s sister) Pier attended daily mass, prayed the rosary and encouraged others to attend Eucharistic Adoration. He was popular and athletic. Pier had a great love for the poor and sick, for whom he spent his life. In 1981 his remains were found to be incorrupt.

Patroness of the Third Order Franciscans, St. Elizabeth was devoted to Our Eucharistic Lord in a life of prayer and service to the poor and sick. She attended daily Mass and prayed the Divine Office every day. St. Elizabeth fasted and offered penances for peace in her family and kingdom.

St. Maria Goretti, Martyr, Patroness of Youth and Children of Mary, Italy (1890-1902)—July 6

“Dear Little Saint, never was Jesus more welcome in a human heart than in yours. The Great Day of First Communion could not come quickly enough. In borrowed clothes and head crowned with flowers of the field, you knelt to receive Him into your soul, so rich with Innocence and Love, and this after months of keen anticipation! O Powerful Intercessor with the Lamb of God, inflame my soul with your ‘ardent longing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.’ Obtain for me the grace to put aside laziness and indifference, so that I may often, even daily, allow myself to be consumed in the ‘burning Furnace of Charity.’ Teach me what true Love really is! Amen.” (From the novena to St. Maria Goretti) St. Maria, martyr of purity, pray for us to be faithful to the teachings of the church and great lovers of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Benedict, Priest, Founder of the Benedictines, Italy (c.480-547)—Feast, July 11 The blessed medal of St. Benedict is a powerful means of spiritual and temporal protection. Many miracles are attributed to the St. Benedict’s medal, which is blessed with special prayers for protection against evil, and is still worn by many today. It is the most highly indulgenced medal of the Catholic church, when the exorcism blessings are applied by a Benedictine priest. The medal has power over evil: storms, poisons, pestilence, the devil’s legions, etc. On the margin of the medal, encircling the figure of St. Benedict, are the Latin words: EIUS IN OBITU NOSTRO PRAESENTIA MUNIAMUR! (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!). Among his roles, St. Benedict is a patron of a happy death. He died at the chapel at Montecassino while standing with his arms raised up to heaven, and supported by the brethren, shortly after receiving Holy Communion. St. Benedict, pray for us that we may take refuge in Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and the cross of Christ!

Act of Consecration toOur Lady of Mount Carmel: O Mary, Queen and Mother of Carmel, I come today to consecrate myself to you, for my whole life is but a small return for the many graces and blessings that have come from God to me through your hands. Since you look with special kindness on those who wear your Scapular, I implore you to strengthen my weakness with your power, to enlighten the darkness of my mind with your wisdom, and to increase in me Faith, Hope and Charity that I may repay each day my debt of humble homage to you. May your Scapular bring me your special protection in my daily struggle to be faithful to your Divine Son and to you.May it separate me from all that is sinful in life and remind me constantly of my duty to imitate your virtues.From now on, I shall strive to live in God’s Presence, and offer all to Jesus through you. Dearest Mother, support me by your never-failing love and lead me to paradise through the merits of Christ and your own intercession.Amen. Hail, Flower of Carmel, Hail, Fruitful Vine, Hail ever Immaculate Queen, in whom all virtues shine!O Mother mild, implore your Son to hear our prayers now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

“Joachim and Ann, how blessed a couple! All creation is indebted to you. For at your hands the Creator was offered a gift excelling all other gifts: a chaste mother, who alone was worthy of him. And so rejoice, Ann, ‘that you were sterile and have not borne children; break forth into shouts, you who have not given birth.’ Rejoice, Joachim, because from your daughter ‘a child is born for us, a son is given us, whose name is Messenger of great counsel and universal salvation, mighty God.’ For this child is God.” (St. John Damascene) Sts. Anne & Joachim, pray for us, lead us to adore your grandson, Jesus in the Sacred Host!

St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Founder of Jesuits, Spain (1491-1556)—Feast, July 31 “He instituted the most sacred sacrifice of the Eucharist, to be the greatest mark of His love.” (St. Ignatius)

“Let us never forget that an age prospers or dwindles in proportion to its devotion to the Holy Eucharist. This is the measure of its spiritual life and its faith, of its charity and its virtue.” “Today more than ever have we need of men who, by their self-immolation, disarm the anger of God inflamed by the ever increasing crimes of nations.We must have souls who by their importunity re-open the treasures of grace which the indifference of the multitude has closed.We must have true adorers; that is to say, men of fervor and of sacrifice.” “Will you remain cold and indifferent?No!If there are societies for the spreading of evil, you will form a society for the spreading of good, a society of adoration.” (St. Peter Julian Eymard)

The Transfiguration of the Lord—Feast, Aug. 6

“What a new world opens up to me contemplating Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament... it awakens holy ideas in me, a burning and consuming flame, but one that makes me so happy!” (Bl. Alberto Marvelli)

St. Dominic and his followers spent time in prayer daily before Our Eucharistic Lord, who was the source of their life, the inspiration for their teaching, and good works. Empowered by Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Our Lady, many souls were converted through the preaching of St. Dominic.

“The Lord is present in the tabernacle in his divinity and in his humanity. He is not present for his own sake but for ours: it is his delight to be with the ‘children of men.’ He knows, too, that, being what we are, we need his personal nearness. In consequence, every thoughtful and sensitive person will feel attracted and will be there as often and as long as possible. And the practice of the Church, which has instituted perpetual adoration, is just as clear.” (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)

St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, Rome (d. 258)—Feast, Aug. 10

St. Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Rome, responsible for providing for the poor. He was martyred under the persecution of Valerian. According to a tradition, St. Lawrence saved the Holy Grail (the chalice used by Jesus at the last supper) and sent it to his parents in Aragon, Spain. This chalice was said to be used by St. Lawrence when he distributed the Precious Blood of Christ in Holy Communion.

“The daily adoration or visit to the Blessed Sacrament is the practice which is the fountainhead of all devotional works.” (St. Pius X)

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Feast, August 22:

“Blest of all women, both Virgin and Mother,/Favored in grace for the Son whom you bore, Christ is Your Son whom all peoples must worship./Christ is your Son whom all angels adore.” (“Mary, How Lovely”)

St. Rose of Lima, Patroness of South America (1586-1617)—Feast, Aug. 23

St. Rose spent long hours with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in adoration. When her village was under attack, and the Holy Eucharist in danger of being desecrated, she bravely stood before the tabernacle.

St. Bartholomew (Nathanael)the Apostle, Martyr (d. 71)—Feast, Aug. 24 “Lord, sustain within us the faith which made Saint Bartholomew ever loyal to Christ. Let your Church be the sign of salvation for all the nations of the world.” (Prayer)

St. Monica, Wife, Mother, North Africa, (332-387), Feast, Aug. 27 St. Monica prayed unceasingly for her son, St. Augustine’s, conversion. She attended daily Mass and visited the Blessed Sacrament twice daily. After many years, her prayers were answered!

St. Augustine, Bishop, Doctor of the Church, N. Africa, (354-430), Feast, Aug. 28 “It is our duty to adore the Blessed Sacrament. No one receives the Blessed Sacrament unless he adores it ... and not only do we not sin by adoring, we do sin by not adoring.” (St. Augustine)

Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Religious, Albania (1910-1997)—Ann. of Death, Sept. 5 “What will convert America and save the world? My answer is prayer. What we need is for every parish to come before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in Holy Hours of prayer.” (Bl. Mother Teresa)

The Most Holy Name of Mary—Feast, September 12: “Blessed be her holy name.”

The feast of the Holy Name of Mary, which celebrates the virtues of Our Blessed Mother, and the graces that flow from her intercession, was first celebrated in Spain in 1513. It spread to other dioceses and became a universal feast following the victory of John Sobieski, King of Poland, over the Turks in 1683. King Sobieski and his troops visited the shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa to invoke Mother Mary’s intercession before the battle. After the victory, through which Austria was spared and Christendom saved, King Sobieski attended Mass and offered thanksgiving to Our Lord for Whom he fought. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us before Jesus, that the church may be victorious and the faithful persevere.

St. John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor of the Church, Patron of Orators, Syria (c. 347-407)—Sept. 13

“This Fountain [the Eucharist] is a fountain of light, shedding abundant rays of truth. And beside it the angelic powers from on high have taken their stand, gazing on the beauty of its streams, since they perceive more clearly than we the power of what lies before us and its unapproachable dazzling rays.” (St. John)

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross—Sept. 14

“He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:8-11). “Christ’s sacrifice on the cross imparts to the believer the dynamism of His generous love; the Eucharistic banquet nourishes the faithful with the Body and Blood of the divine Lamb sacrificed for us.” (Pope Bl. John Paul II)

“A thousand years of enjoying human glory is not worth even an hour spent in sweetly communing with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.” St. Pio, Patron of Eucharistic Adorers, pray for us to be holy adorers!

St. Vincent De Paul (1581-1660) Priest, Servant, France— Feast, September 27 On September 26, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of Saints “who from the Eucharist drew the strength for active and not infrequently heroic charity. My thoughts go to St. Vincent de Paul . . . who used to affirm: ‘What joy to serve the person of Christ in His poor limbs!’”

Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Saints—Sept. 29

The Attack on The Church: One day, after celebrating Mass, Pope Leo XIII was in conference with the Cardinals when suddenly he sank to the floor. Physicians rushed to his side, could find no trace of his pulse, and feared that he had died. After a short period the Holy Father regained consciousness and exclaimed with great emotion: “Oh, what a horrible picture I have been permitted to see!” He had been shown a vision of evil spirits who had been released from Hell and their efforts to destroy the Church. But in the midst of the horror the archangel St. Michael appeared and cast Satan and his legions into the abyss of hell. Soon afterwards Pope Leo XIII composed the following prayer to Saint Michael:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host--by the Divine Power of God--cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Lord we give you thanks and praise for the faithful protection and guidance of your Archangels. St. Michael, protector of the Eucharist, pray for us! St. Gabriel bring us God’s word! St. Raphael bring us God’s healing! Holy Archangels pray that we may adore Jesus! In these difficult times we invoke the intercession and power of the Archangels to come to our aid in this great battle between good and evil, light and darkness, life and death. Help us persevere in our daily devotion to our Eucharistic Lord. Amen. (St. Michael chaplets, a powerful sacramental and devotion, are available through our Catalog. Order now.)

Please remember my intentions and loved ones before the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus, at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, and in your devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Please,we need your ongoing prayers and financial help, during this summer slump, so we can continue to spread Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in every parish and Catholic community.